Jewish studies courses explore all dimensions of Jewish life – past and present. Jewish studies majors look closely at post-Holocaust life and thought, Judaism and global politics, anti-Semitism, and other forms of racism. Students may focus on Jewish history throughout the world, the intercultural facets of diverse Jewish populations, interfaith dimensions, and Judaism and sexuality. They may look at how Jewish culture intersects with the media and the arts, including film, literature, television, theater, and the internet.
Why Jewish Studies?
You may wonder what you can do with a major or minor in Jewish studies. There are opportunities in multiple fields, including art, business, clergy, diplomacy, education, government, health care, journalism, law, media, nonprofits, and social work.
The Major and Minor
Jewish studies majors and minors develop skills to think critically and constructively about religious issues, questions, and values.
Students may consider combining Jewish studies with studies in anthropology, business, education, fine arts, history, journalism, philosophy, psychology, radio and television, and sociology.
Other popular major or minor concentrations include Middle Eastern studies, European studies, Latin-American and Caribbean studies, global studies and geography, political science, and women’s studies. Jewish studies continually partners with other academic disciplines on different courses and events.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies. Hofstra University also offers courses in Hebrew Language and Literature out of the Department of Comparative Literature, Languages, and Linguistics. Learn more
Meet Our Chair
Dr. Santiago Slabodsky became Hofstra's Florence and Robert Kaufman Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies in 2015. Dr. Slabodsky was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the city that hosts the largest Jewish community in Latin America and the Global South. He is committed to international education, holds degrees from multiple countries, and teaches intensive seminars in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East in his winter and summer breaks.
The Student Experience
While Jewish studies is a small program, it has an engaged faculty and a full calendar. Acclaimed scholars, journalists, and authors are invited to speak on cultural, political, and historical issues. These guests have expertise in subjects such as the Jewish diaspora, the political climate in Israel and Argentina, Afro-Jewish affairs, and the impact of the Holocaust.
Additionally, the Hofstra Cultural Center presents the popular Issues in Judaism series, consisting of lectures, film screenings, and performances on a number of different topics dealing with ancient and modern Jewish history.
The Outlook
Hofstra’s Jewish studies and majors have a wide array of opportunities for employment after graduation. Many alumni from our Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy & International Affairs – of which Jewish studies is a part – opt to pursue graduate degrees at top educational institutions.
Contact Us
Department of Religion
Erica Bosco
Senior Executive Secretary
Room 104 Heger Hall
Phone: 516-463-5612
Fax: 516-463-2201
Email
Florence and Robert Kaufman Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies
Santiago Slabodsky
Associate Professor (Jewish Studies, Decoloniality, Liberation Theology, and Latin American & Caribbean Studies)
Room 104J Heger Hall
Phone: 516-463-4884
Email
Religion Department Chair
Julie Byrne
Room 104C Heger Hall
Phone: 516-463-9570
Fax: 516-463-2201
Email